Operation Safe Driver Week 2025: Focus on Risky Driving

Operation Safe Driver Week Scheduled for July 13–19, 2025

Operation Safe Driver Week will take place from July 13 to 19, 2025, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). This annual safety initiative is designed to reduce traffic crashes through increased enforcement, driver education, and public outreach. During the week, law enforcement officers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will focus on both commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in dangerous driving behaviors.

Drivers found speeding, following too closely, using handheld devices, or showing signs of impairment may be stopped and issued a citation or warning. The overall goal of Operation Safe Driver Week is to improve driver behavior and reduce crashes through proactive interaction with law enforcement.

2025 Operation Safe Driver Week Focus: Reckless and Careless Driving

The primary focus of Operation Safe Driver Week 2025 is reckless, careless, or dangerous driving. CVSA defines reckless driving as “operating a vehicle without due care and attention or reasonable consideration for other motorists or people on the road.” 

These unsafe actions remain leading causes of serious crashes across North America. In 2022, the U.S. reported 42,514 traffic fatalities. Canada recorded 1,931 motor vehicle deaths, and Mexico reported 15,979. By focusing on the root causes of risky driving, the event aims to help reverse these alarming trends.

Enforcement Backed by Statistics

Law enforcement plays a key role in changing unsafe behavior behind the wheel. Research shows that direct interaction with law enforcement—such as traffic stops—can lead to safer driving habits. Speeding continues to be a major concern. In 2021, speeding contributed to over 12,000 deaths in the U.S., accounting for 29% of all fatal crashes. In Canada, speeding was a factor in nearly 22% of fatal collisions in 2022.

Distracted driving also remains a significant danger. NHTSA reported 3,308 distracted driving fatalities in 2022. Meanwhile, Transport Canada found that nearly a quarter of fatal crashes in 2021 involved distraction.

Other top concerns addressed during Operation Safe Driver Week include failure to wear a seat belt and impaired driving. Not wearing a seat belt remains a common factor in fatalities, while impaired driving caused over 11,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2020 alone.

Operation Safe Driver Week 2024 Results Show Ongoing Risks

Last year’s Operation Safe Driver Week took place from July 7–13, 2024. During the event, officers conducted 11,050 traffic stops and issued 2,712 citations and 3,228 warnings.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 enforcement data:

• Commercial motor vehicle drivers received 1,583 citations and 2,439 warnings.
  • Speeding: 502 citations, 1,221 warnings
  • Seat belt violations: 473 citations, 328 warnings
  • Handheld device use: 115 citations, 91 warnings
• Passenger vehicle drivers received 1,129 citations and 789 warnings.
  • Speeding: 724 citations, 473 warnings
  • Seat belt violations: 81 citations, 26 warnings
  • Handheld device use: 54 citations, 67 warnings

A total of 49 citations and 30 warnings were also issued for drug or alcohol violations across both vehicle types.

Operation Safe Driver Week Emphasizes Education and Outreach

Enforcement is only one part of Operation Safe Driver Week. The CVSA also puts significant effort into driver education. Resources are available for commercial drivers, teen drivers, and the general public. These include downloadable videos, fact sheets, and awareness materials.

In 2024, CVSA mailed over 65,000 postcards to law enforcement agencies and motor carriers. CVSA says the postcards helped promote safe driving awareness in the lead-up to and during the week.

CVSA also partnered with CBS and Paramount to launch a digital campaign that delivered over 8 million impressions. The campaign aimed to help passenger vehicle drivers better understand how to safely share the road with large trucks and buses.

Human Trafficking Awareness Included in the Effort

In addition to traffic safety, Operation Safe Driver Week also supports broader public safety efforts. In 2024, law enforcement conducted 1,924 activities aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking. Officers provided education on recognizing the signs of trafficking and how to respond if a potential victim is identified.

Operation Safe Driver Week Remains a Key Safety Effort for Trucking

For truck drivers and motor carriers, this event is a reminder to remain vigilant on the road. Behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and failing to wear a seat belt can not only lead to citations but also contribute to serious or fatal crashes.

Truck drivers should also be aware of strict enforcement around drug and alcohol violations. Commercial drivers found in violation may be flagged in FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, requiring them to complete a return-to-duty process before resuming work.